‘Civil War’ Directors Joe and Anthony Russo Also Think Black Widow Should Have a Solo Movie

Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow is one of the most interesting characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, particularly given the incredibly intriguing back story briefly explored in Avengers: Age of Ultron. Fans have long wondered when or if Natasha Romanoff would get her own solo movie, and while Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige has admitted that he’s open to the idea, the studio has yet to reveal any plans for a Black Widow spinoff. But that could still change, and with Captain America: Civil War directors Joe and Anthony Russo in her corner, a Black Widow movie could be closer than ever.

With their work on Captain America: The Winter Soldier and the upcoming Civil War, the Russo brothers have essentially been given the keys to the Marvel kingdom, and the duo are also slated to helm the two-part Avengers: Infinity War to help bring Phase 3 to a close. It doesn’t look like they’re leaving Marvel anytime soon, as they’ve been speaking a bit recently about potential Phase 4 plans.

But could those Phase 4 plans involved the Black Widow solo movie we’ve been clamoring for, or will that SNL spoof simply have to suffice? Speaking at a junket in China to promote Civil War, the duo were asked about a potential Black Widow movie, to which Joe said, “Oh yeah, we love that character,” while Anthony added, “And we love Scarlett.” Joe went on:

We find that the character is one of the richest, if not the richest, character in the Marvel universe. She’s a very complex character. She’s haunted by demons and her understanding of the world is fascinating. I think there is a lot that can be done with that character.

Enough for a solo film? We can continue to hope, and this response from the Russos is the most optimistic one we’ve heard regarding Black Widow so far. Kevin Feige previously said Marvel was developing a film, and Johansson confirmed there have been discussions, but that was prior to Marvel Studios’ disengagement from Marvel Entertainment, and rumors had suggested that the involvement of the latter was preventing certain plans from taking shape and suppressing the creative independence of the MCU.

We may have to wait a few years for a Black Widow movie, but until then, we’ll see her again in Civil War on May 6.